10.416666666667-67.2833333333332La Colonia Tovar - a fascinating town hidden in the mountains outside Caracas, still populated by descendents of a colony of German settlers who built the town from scratch in the 19th century. Today, the town is a popular weekend escape for Caraqueños who enjoy its cool climate, restaurants serving traditional German food and locally brewed beer. Locally grown produce such as strawberries and raspberries are also sold.

10.506944444444-67.6063888888893Choroní - probably Venezuela's most popular beach destination for foreign travellers with a great after dark atmosphere, plenty of restaurants and posadas.

Cata - together with neighbouring Catica, this is another good Aragua beach resort in a beautiful bay, albeit somewhat spoiled by the construction of two tall apartment buildings just behind the beach.

Santa Teresa Rum (It is located in the village of El Consejo, close to La Victoria). This excellent family owned rum plantation is open to the public at weekends, with tours and a tasting session. It is the home of arguably Venezuela's best rum, the "1796" brand, which is carefully aged in oak barrels. (updated Mar 2017)

Rancho Grande Biological Station (From Maracay, take the road to Ocumare-Limon and the station is about 45 minutes outside the city, on the right hand side just after the Rancho Grande Restaurant (which only usually opens at weekends). Buses to Ocumare leave from Maracay's bus terminal, and ask the driver to drop you off at Rancho Grande.), ☎+58 243 5507085. This ecological research post is run by Venezuela's prestigious Central University, hidden in the Henri Pittier National Park.Visitors are welcome for day entrance or an overnight stop (no food is provided, though kitchens are available). (updated Mar 2017)

The Hacienda Santa Teresa's Zafra restaurant, in El Consejo, is open weekends until sundown, offering interesting variations of traditional Venezuelan dishes with a rum theme, as well as international dishes.